episode_0045

000

The color of the sky turns navy blue.

Although the sun is still high in the sky, is it because of the spread of that alien magic in the unexplored areas of the living forest?

Despite the time of day, the sky has become like night.

Screams and shouts echo from all directions.

Is this what they mean by utter chaos?

The sacrifices of the human masses who recklessly set foot inside.

One by one, their blood was seeping into the ground.

The unexplored territory was already separated like a separate world.

An ordinary human would not have noticed the boundary line and stepped inside.

At that moment, they would enter a world disconnected from the outside and be sacrificed to the familiars of the Severed Realm Tree rushing in from all directions.

If you use flight magic, even that will cause vines to stretch out and try to pull you to the ground.

The three were running through the forest, burning the approaching familiars one by one as they advanced.

“”Flare Spike!””

Lyla and Kleon cast their spells simultaneously.

Eight spikes extend and burn them, but

Unlike Lyla, who instantly turned one into ashes,

Kleon’s spikes only exerted about half the power.

It was the difference between Lyla, who uses magic she researched and developed herself, and

Kleon, who still lacks proficiency in using magic.

And what makes up for that difference.

“Haaah!”

It was Rubera, who, imbued with magic by Lyla, wrapped her magic sword in flames.

When she cuts off the head of the familiar held in place by Kleon, flames invade from that point and eventually burn the entire being.

After clearing out the familiars around them once, Lyla sighed.

Perhaps they instinctively fear the intense fire element.

Once they fend off the familiars like this, they don’t come close for a while.

But they never get tired of it, crawling out of the darkness of the forest.

“There are more of them than when we met before, and they’ve become more cunning.”

Rubera could tell that the things she had defeated in cooperation with Iona before were

Familiars of the Severed Realm Tree.

But at that time, they came out one by one as if taking their time.

Today, they attacked us with all their might from the beginning.

Is it because they consider the fire element Lyla possesses to be dangerous?

Or is it because the advent of the master is near, making them violent?

In addition, the sticky and unpleasant magic that envelops the entire area.

“The recovery rate of magic power is slow…. If we continue like this, our magic power will be depleted before we reach them.”

She checks the magic potions she brought in her bag.

This space felt alien, as if it was draining her energy just by breathing.

In addition, while suppressing the adventurers they met on the way here and forcibly

Sending them back to the city through the dimensional gate.

It was also true that she was using more energy than necessary.

“We could have ignored them….”

Lyla shook her head at Rubera’s words.

“If we did that, they would end up being sacrifices, speeding up the Severed Realm Tree’s advent.”

Kleon also agreed with Lyla’s words.

“…The direction we’re going is right. Let’s hurry a little more.”

Lyla drank a bottle of magic potion on the spot and took the lead forward.

“You’re strangely motivated.”

Rubera muttered quietly as she watched her go.

She is also one of the scholars called the top student of the Academy.

There was no way she wouldn’t be curious in this situation.

Leaving aside the distinction between good and evil, scholars in this world were like that.

Kleon thinks.

Lyla feels responsible for this situation.

If Albein’s rampage is the cause of this situation, then

His expulsion of Kleon from the party is also the cause of Albein’s rampage.

Cause and effect circle around, sin bears karma, and becomes punishment.

If so, at least as a human being responsible for this situation.

She had to resolve it even if it meant sacrificing her life.

Even if things go wrong, Kuon or Sasha must not lose their lives in this situation.

Kleon quietly watches her back.

He didn’t pity her.

He admits that Lyla has become a little more rounded since the series of events.

He also believes that she sincerely regrets the past.

But according to Lyla’s theory.

He himself, who caused Albein’s rampage, is also responsible.

“…Let’s hurry.”

Kleon quietly moves forward.

The growing commotion as they move towards the heart of the forest.

It foretold an unprecedented ordeal.

001

Eustace, half unconscious after being slammed into the wall.

Iona returned to Duke Hughes’ mansion and was looking for her father.

She saw Eustace’s injuries while he was sparring with him, came closer, and used recovery magic.

“Oh. You’ve come at the right time. Heal this guy. I need to keep an eye on him a little longer.”

Talcheck stroked his chin and instructed his daughter upon Iona’s return.

“Aren’t you going to the unexplored territory?”

“That part isn’t my job.”

Talcheck said, chuckling.

“What are you thinking, Father? If things go wrong, a great threat could befall the entire world.”

Eventually, Iona stops her recovery magic, gets up from her seat, and protests to her stepfather.

Talcheck indifferently shrugs his shoulders.

“I’m not a hero. I’m a swordsman. Fighting the enemies of the world is not my job.”

“Hmph…! Is that what a Four Heroes should say!”

Seeing Iona’s angry expression, Talcheck sighs as if he’s bored.

“Those are just titles that the kingdom guys arbitrarily attached. I would have been fine with just `Gladiator Talcheck`.”

“But…. You fought the evil empire with the hero `Resia`….”

Looking at Iona, who was almost in tears, Talcheck said.

“I’ve always said, it was just by chance.”

Just by chance.

Coincidence.

The time when Sword Saint Talcheck was still Gladiator Talcheck.

The past when the kingdom and the empire were still locked in a tense standoff on the continent.

A small village in the kingdom near the border was burned down by the empire’s invading army.

A powerless girl was the only survivor and set out on a journey to avenge those who invaded the village.

In the process of her journey, the girl realized her true destiny.

She met a saintess, obtained the Holy Sword, and

Became a hero to save the kingdom from the empire.

Not long after she became a hero.

Talcheck met her.

By a trick of fate, or by someone’s intention.

The hero Resia secretly sneaked into the empire’s arena.

Talcheck and she fought to the death.

A duel that lasted for three days.

He prevented her from using the Holy Sword.

He prevented her from using magic.

Even if he was called a coward, he did everything he could to win against the hero as an ordinary gladiator.

And he lost.

But his life did not end there.

The slaves in the arena were freed by the hero Resia, and Talcheck was also freed.

And Resia asked Talcheck to become her companion.

Talcheck didn’t know.

Why would such a strong being want him as a companion?

He wasn’t the saintess who gave her the Holy Sword.

He wasn’t the great sage who lent her his wisdom.

All he could do was stubbornly survive and wield his sword.

Holding the hand of the hero Resia at that time was truly `just by chance`.

So was the subsequent fight with the empire.

The hero Resia continued to fight against the empire as if she was born with such a destiny.

Talcheck also stood by her side.

Finally, defeating the emperor of the empire.

Defeating the dragon called the Storm of Annihilation that was controlled by him.

Until the long battle with the empire came to an end.

Talcheck never crossed swords with Resia even once.

“The saintess and the great sage were suitable beings to be in that position. But I wasn’t.”

Talcheck looked at his sword.

“I was just dragged around by the hero and happened to be present at historical moments.”

“That’s… That can’t be true! The hero Resia clearly considered Father as her companion…!”

Was she trying to comfort her stepfather, or was she trying to scold his foolishness?

The moment Iona shouted that with a desperate heart.

“Cough…”

Eustace, who had fallen in the back, opened his eyes.

“It’s noisy…. Who are you…?”

When he quietly opened his eyes, Eustace saw Iona’s figure.

“…Iona? Why are you here…”

Clearly, it was their first reunion after a bad farewell, so Eustace seemed a little surprised.

“What is it? Have you introduced yourself? This is my daughter.”

“…Iona is the daughter of Sword Saint Talcheck…?”

Eustace then frowned and weakly lowered his head, saying `Haha….`.

“Then what about Leona? Is she Talcheck’s disciple or something?”

“… …”

Even a fool like Eustace knew the relationship between Iona and Talcheck.

And if he remembered Leona, who seemed to be familiar with Iona.

It was a bit of a stretch that they had come to find him by chance.

And what he felt while fighting Talcheck.

His sword and Leona’s sword were similar.

However, without even having the time to think deeply about such things.

He repeatedly charged and fell, erasing his distracting thoughts from his head.

“Okay. I was the only fool, as always.”

Eustace said that and put down his sword without getting up from his seat.

Talcheck looked at Eustace and tried to say something.

But.

“Sir Talcheck.”

He stops and turns his head at the sound of a man’s voice calling him.

Iona also looks there with Talcheck at the sudden appearance.

There, a man wearing a green robe was standing.

“You are…!? You were with the returnees…!”

Iona recognized him and took a fighting stance.

Then Talcheck stretched out his arm and blocked Iona.

“Father…!”

Iona looked at Talcheck, who seemed to be protecting her, as he stepped forward.

“…What is it?”

Talcheck looked at the hooded man, Mikasia, with a frown.

“Maxwell says all preparations have been completed.”

“…Huh?”

The moment Iona said that.

Talcheck laughed.

“Is that so? It’s finally time.”

“Fa…ther…?”

Iona’s face changed to one of disbelief, and her expression became pale.

And when Talcheck’s hand touched her neck.

Before she could resist, her body changed into the form of the `Holy Sword`.

The will of `Iona Chevalier` was no longer felt from the sword.

“W-what…? A person turns into a sword…?”

Eustace was just watching the scene, sitting down as if he didn’t understand what was going on.

When Mikasia turns around and tries to leave the mansion.

Talcheck also follows him.

“W-wait! Talcheck! What are you trying to do!”

“It’s the fight of a lifetime. I’m betting my life, my pride, and even my dreams that don’t suit me.”

There was madness in Talcheck’s laughter.

Eustace seemed to be suffocating from the murderous intent that enveloped his whole body.

Talcheck doesn’t even give Eustace a glance and speaks to Mikasia.

“Is the guy in the Living Forest?”

“Yes. In the unexplored territory with Tio.”

“…Okay.”

Leaving the immobile Eustace behind, the two disappeared.

`What is it…? What’s going on…!`

Barely regaining his breath, just before losing consciousness, as if he didn’t understand anything.

Only Eustace was left in the training hall of the mansion.

He clenches his fist tightly.

“Damn it…! In the end, I’m still…! Without knowing anything…!”

The shame comes from helplessness and ignorance.

He was even ashamed of himself for having considered Talcheck as his teacher even for a short time.

Mikasia mentioned the name Maxwell.

That name was the name of the priest of the Order that his father had always maintained a close relationship with.

But… He was a bit of a strange man.

That man, who always brought rare ancient artifacts to his father.

He was trying to do something with Sword Saint Talcheck.

If so. There’s no way his father isn’t involved in it either.

That’s because the man who came to call Talcheck was also his father’s close aide.

He had to know what was going on.

He gets up from his seat and unwinds the bandages wrapped around his body.

Thanks to the recovery magic he received from Iona for a short time, he could move his body well enough.

This time.

Eustace decided not to run away.

002

“Prometheus… Cuhack…!”

The casting of the spell is interrupted midway, and a metallic sound is heard.

Lyla coughs up blood.

Her magic power has already been depleted.

“Rubera!”

“Haaah…!”

Kleon and Rubera simultaneously cut the same spot on the Plant Golem.

When Kleon’s sword carves away the outer skin, a ballista strikes that spot.

That part burns, and the Plant Golem falters and steps back.

“It’s regenerating! Fall back!”

“I know…!”

Following Kleon’s instructions, Rubera leaps back greatly.

The Plant Golem covers and extinguishes the fire on its body with overwhelming regenerative power.

It went berserk and swung its fists wildly.

In the meantime, Lyla, who had drunk a potion, uses magic once again.

“Prometheus Gate!”

A shower of fire spears.

Kleon and Rubera wiped away their sweat as they watched the Plant Golem, which had turned to ashes this time without even having a chance to regenerate.

“Are you okay? How many potions are left?”

“…One left.”

Lyla takes out the only bottle with liquid in it among the empty bottles in her bag.

The individual force of each familiar was meaningless in the face of fire.

However, is it because of that? It showed overwhelmingly strong resistance to attacks other than fire.

Even if it is subjected to physical attacks such as cutting, piercing, and tearing, it absorbs energy from the ground to recover.

Therefore, the burden on Lyla was also great.

She could defeat ordinary familiars without much consumption.

But as they move forward, the number increases.

If even a Plant Golem appears.

No matter how much magic power Lyla has.

She couldn’t stop the depletion of her magic power from happening.

“Let’s go back to the city through the dimensional gate to resupply…”

When Kleon said that, Lyla shook her head.

“No. It’s possible to open it from here to there, but when you return here, the dimensional gate won’t open.”

“…Why?”

Lyla took a deep breath and opened her mouth.

“It’s because this place is a `Severed Realm`.”

Kleon’s eyes widened at those words.

“…Severed Realm?”

Only Rubera seemed to be unaware.

“Yes. A severed world. A space conceptually separated from the world through some method. In this case, the existence of the Severed Realm Tree itself would be the cause. Right now, it’s still physically connected to the remaining areas of the Living Forest, but…”

Lyla said that and drank the remaining magic potion.

Then, Kleon continued her words.

“This place has already become a parallel dimension. The Severed Realm rejects all conceptual interference from the outside directed towards it. So, if you want to come in from the outside, you have no choice but to walk in like before.”

Rubera was silent for a moment at Kleon’s words.

“You said `still.`”

“That’s right. When the Severed Realm Tree completely descends, the moment it escapes this place, this entire unexplored area will fall into another dimension.”

Kleon and Rubera were silent at Lyla’s words.

“It’s surprising that Kleon knows about it too.”

And Rubera says honestly.

“…A little bit in the past…. No. This story is for later. Then we have to hurry even more.”

Lyla nodded at Kleon’s words and got up from her seat.

Her legs seemed to be shaking a little.

“…Are you hurt?”

“No. Just a little… scared.”

Lyla, who honestly talked about her feelings of fear without hiding them, was the first time since the underground prison.

However, it’s different from that time.

She was trying to overcome that fear through `responsibility`.

“… …”

Kleon silently looked at Lyla for a moment, then patted her on the shoulder and went forward.

“…He’s a heartless man.”

Rubera puffed out her cheeks a little as she looked at Kleon.

Lyla put her hand on the shoulder he patted for a moment, then her eyes sparkled.

The fire of courage returned to her eyes.

“I think so too.”

But her mouth was smiling.

“…Hoo…!”

The remaining distance is a little.

Her role is to clear the way and get them to a place where they can stop the returnees.

If so….

She doesn’t necessarily have to be standing there until the end!

“Kleon, get out of the way!”

“…What?”

As Kleon stepped aside for a moment as Lyla said.

The next moment, a pillar of intense flames erupted.

It covered and burned hundreds of meters ahead.

“… …!”

As a result, the strike of fire that even gnawed away at the ground.

It created a path through the forest in a straight line.

The next moment, Lyla coughed up blood again and collapsed from her seat.

Magic exhaustion. Excessive use of magic beyond depletion to the point of straining her body.

It was a reckless act that could damage her magic nerves.

Rubera quickly grabbed Lyla, and Kleon approached.

“Here…. You can go quickly with this.”

“…You….”

“Don’t worry. I brought the barrier stone…. Of course, it won’t last long.”

Lyla shows a red barrier stone from her bag with a trembling hand.

It was an object that spread a wall of flames containing Lyla’s own magic power.

The familiars of the Severed Realm Tree wouldn’t be able to touch it.

“Go. Kleon. I’m going to… rest for a bit.”

Rubera looks at Kleon.

Is he really going to leave her here?

Kleon looked at Lyla for a moment and then opened his mouth.

“…Thank you, Lyla. I’ll fulfill my responsibility and come back. So… leave it to me.”

Lyla chuckled at his words and activated the barrier.

Rubera steps back and sees Lyla being surrounded by a wall of flames.

Kleon speaks to Rubera.

“Let’s go. Maxwell is ahead.”

“…Yes.”